Rabbi's Column - Summer 2025

Dear Friends,

Some things are clearly right or wrong. Sometimes, though, clarity comes only in hindsight. In late May, 1967, three Arab armies were massing against Israel. Egypt had closed the straits of Tiran and ejected its UN Peacekeepers. The mood in the country was somber: Hospitals canceled elective surgeries. 14,000 graves were dug in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, in anticipation of mass casualties. Soldiers wrote farewell letters to their loved ones.

In the face of the Arab armies’ imminent attack, Israel launched a bold pre-emptive strike. IAF pilots destroyed the entire Egyptian air force while its pilots were still eating breakfast. Out of this existential morass came a resounding victory: in just six days, Israel expanded its territory threefold and solidified its place as a rising power in the Middle East.

In a recent poll 83% of Jewish Israelis support the pre-emptive strikes on Iran — despite the certainty of reprisal. This is notable, because Israelis are exhausted. They do not want more bloodshed. They do not want to keep running to their safe rooms. They do not want war, and yet they support this war. During the June 20 Shabbat I tried to explain why this is so. Will history vindicate this operation, furthering the cause of peace and stability? Will it be another Six Day War? Only time will tell. Our judgments today may be disproven tomorrow.

Rabbi Jill Jacobs teaches about a surprising ruling in the Babylonian Talmud: if every judge on a court votes to convict, the defendant is acquitted. (Sanhedrin 17a). The ancient sages identified that, in this instance, the judges may have succumbed to group think. They have not sufficiently raised questions and objections.

The modern luminary Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik expands, “If they all saw him as guilty with no aspect of merit, there is certainly some corruption or perversion of justice in that court.” Certainty, in other words, is not necessarily a virtue.

Within the Jewish and broader American communities, many have jumped to either blanket celebration or condemnation. So many breathless commentators and armchair diplomats fail to consider the nuances and risks of this situation – not to mention the lived experiences of those most in harm’s way. Rather than abject certainty, this may be a moment instead to acknowledge uncertainty; to admit that none of us really know what is right.

There are valid reasons to support this war, and other valid reasons to oppose it. The future is unclear, and the present danger is real. Whatever our views, our hearts are united for safety in Israel.

We also feel the urge to act. If you want to help, you might consider a donation to the Israeli Reform Movement’s Urgent Care and Relief Fund; or support temporary housing for Israelis abroad.

Finally, although peace feels painfully distant, we pray for peace. We will never stop praying for peace.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss

President's Column - September 2025

There could be no better words to guide us into this sacred season than the very first words of Creation. Light was G-d’s first gift to the world, and it remains the symbol of clarity, renewal, and hope.

This summer, Temple Beth Tikvah received its own new source of light. As of August 11, 2025, we are officially generating solar power! This project lowers our electric bill, reduces our carbon footprint, and shows our commitment to both sustainability and long-term financial responsibility.

This milestone has been years in the making. It became reality through the extraordinary generosity of the Sack family, and through the tireless dedication of our facilities chair, Ben Muskin, along with many others who offered time and expertise. (Don’t miss the photo of Ben literally flipping the switch!) To all involved: thank you for helping TBT step into a brighter future.

As we now prepare for the High Holy Days, I have been reflecting on light in an even deeper sense. The book of Proverbs teaches us: “A mitzvah is a candle, and the Torah is light” (Proverbs 6:23) and “The soul of a person is the candle of G-d” (Proverbs 20:27). Light is not only what we see, it is what we do, how we live, and how we connect with one another.

The Sefat Emet, Rabbi Yehudah Leib Alter of Ger, taught that performing a mitzvah is like lighting a candle before G-d, preparing a space where the Divine presence can dwell. Each mitzvah adds a spark that brightens our own souls and helps illuminate the world around us.

That image feels especially meaningful during the Days of Awe. As we come together to pray, reflect, seek forgiveness, and celebrate, we are called to find the divine spark within ourselves and then share it, through acts of kindness, study, service, and love.

As we enter 5786, I encourage each of us to ask: how can I bring a little more light into TBT this year? Maybe it’s joining a committee, volunteering for a project, helping in the religious school, or sharing your professional expertise. Every act of involvement strengthens our synagogue, and when more people participate, the work becomes lighter for all.

TBT is blessed with extraordinary members: leaders, thinkers, healers, teachers, and innovators. This year, take one step beyond your comfort zone. Even if it feels like stepping into darkness, you may be surprised to discover how much light is already waiting there, and how much good you can bring into our community.

May this new year bring light, blessing, and renewal to you and your loved ones.

Shanah tovah from my family to yours,

Josh Broder, TBT President

Educator's Column - Summer 2025

This past weekend (June 21-22), my flight to participate in the Jewish National Fund Educator’s Mission on July 13 was cancelled due to the airport in Tel Aviv being closed because of the war with Iran. While I am working to get the airfare refunded, I am still hopeful that the war will end in time for me to go. Of course, hope is not a strategy.

As I write, October 7th was 625 days ago; I know that many of us at TBT have been watching the events in Israel and Gaza with concern, hope and compassion that is now compounded with the war with Iran. These emotions intensify. We each bring our own perspective to our emotions. Your feelings are yours alone. We should have conversations about them – that is part of a healthy process.

The idea of the mission I was to attend was to learn alongside other synagogue educators and explore how we might do better at teaching about Israel than we already do. Israel has been a core Jewish value for my entire personal life and for my professional practice since I first worked in a classroom as a 9th grade aide.

I believe that we need to teach our children the dream of what Israel can be and what led to the creation of the modern state. Theodor Herzl saw it as a home for our people, who were seen as outsiders, despite being citizens of the countries in which they lived. Ahad Ha’am described the dream as a center and source of Jewish culture for all of us. Ze’ev Jabotinsky saw it as a place where the Jewish people can be strong and defend themselves against all who sought to destroy us, and A.D. Gordon described a place where we could get our hands dirty in the soil, bringing life to an arid place. These are just a few of the ideas.

I believe in a developmental approach to learning. We are ready to explore topics in different ways at different times in our lives. So, we should revisit them, applying our experiences and ideas that we have developed since we last talked about them. We might think about God, for example, differently at 39 than we did in third grade – which is when we do our first deep dive into theology at TBT.

In the younger grades, we are teaching our kids about the dream of Israel and introducing parts of Israeli life and culture that will help them to learn, to connect, and perhaps even love it. As they get older, and develop skills in pulling apart complex issues, we get into the ideas that keep some of us up at night or cause flights to be cancelled.

I invite you to take advantage of the opportunities TBT will be offering for adult conversations around Israel and current events. I ask you to have real conversations about it with one another and with your kids in a way that makes sense for you and them. I want to gently remind everyone that even if our opinions on how to approach Israel may vary widely, we are all a part of the same Jewish family. We need to remember we are talking about people in our family. Our children will learn from our example, both in what we say about Israel and how to say it to one another and to people outside the Jewish community.

L'shalom,

Ira Wise

President's Column: June 2025

“It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”

– Pirkei Avot 2:16

At our recent Annual Meeting, the 48th in our congregation’s history, I had the honor of

delivering my first “State of TBT” address as your President. It was a meaningful opportunity to

reflect on the progress we’ve made over the past year and to share some of the vision that

continues to guide us. When I stepped into this role last July, I set out with three primary goals:

1. Streamlining and Documenting Our Systems

Behind the scenes, a lot of work has gone into simplifying how TBT operates. We’ve transitioned to QuickBooks

Online for better financial reporting and expanded our use of ShulCloud to strengthen communication and data

management. We’ve also begun documenting key processes, roles, and responsibilities—an investment in

smoother transitions and institutional memory for years to come.

2. Rethinking Our Financial Model

We’ve launched a new financial task force, led by Alan Friedman, to explore how we might evolve our funding model

to better reflect the changing needs of synagogue life. They’re actively researching what other congregations have

done and will bring recommendations to the Board, and eventually to all of you, for input. This is a long-term project,

but one that could shape a more sustainable future for TBT.

3. Renewing Our Commitment to Financial Strength

As many of you know, the beautiful renovation of our sanctuary and building was a transformative milestone in

TBT’s story. But it also came with significant financial obligations that remain with us today. This year, we’ve reignited

our Secure the Future capital campaign under the leadership of David Sack, with the goal of meaningfully

reducing the debt associated with that renovation.

This campaign is not just about paying off a loan, it’s about honoring the investment we’ve made in our spiritual

home, preserving the sacred space we’ve built together, and ensuring that TBT remains vibrant and financially

healthy for generations to come.

“They shall give, everyone whose heart moves them.”

– Exodus 25:2

That verse from the Torah, about the building of the Mishkan, reminds us that generosity is not only about financial

support, but about heart, intention, and sacred responsibility. In the coming weeks and months, if you haven’t

already, you’ll hear more about how you can be part of this effort from a member of the Secure the Future

campaign team. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference and strengthens our future.

Beyond these priorities, there is so much more to celebrate. Our preschool is full of energy and joy. Our religious

school has over 90 students engaged in Jewish learning. We’ve welcomed new members into our TBT family. And

our calendar continues to be filled with meaningful services, thoughtful programs, and joyful moments of connection.

As I look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude and hope. This community is full of people who step up, give generously of

themselves, and help carry the mission of TBT forward. That’s what makes this synagogue not just a building, but a

sacred home.

Thank you for your continued support, your involvement, and your trust. I look forward to all we’ll build, together, in

the year ahead.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

President’s Column

Rabbi's Column: June 2025

Temple Beth Tikvah is a vibrant, inclusive Reform Jewish community, guided by Torah and interconnected through our traditions and values of tikkun hanefesh (enriching our lives) and tikkun olam (improving the world).

Dear Friends,

These words are proudly on display in our lobby and on our website. But what does TBT’s congregational mission really mean? 

Let’s start with the Hebrew concepts. Tikkun HaNefesh means “self-repair” —  this is the internal work of self-improvement. Tikkun HaOlam means “world-repair” —  this is our Jewish obligation to mend a broken world. You may have heard of Tikkun Olam before. But where does it come from, and what does it have to do with us?

In its modern form, Tikkun Ha’Olam emerges from Jewish Mysticism. In the beautiful mountain town of Tzfat the great Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal) [re]told the story of creation: In primordial existence, God’s presence filled all space and time. In order to create anything in space, God had to contract (tzimtzum) and open a vacuum of God-less-ness. Into that vacuum God launched countless vessels of light. But the delicate containers that held the light could not survive that vacuum, so they broke into millions of pieces. The light was scattered throughout the void. The world came into formation, but its goodness was suffused by the surrounding darkness. The mission of every Jew, therefore, is to locate these scattered pieces of light. Through mitzvot and righteous acts we may lift them out of darkness—  thus sanctifying God, and participating in the work of creation as God’s partners. Hence - Tikkun HaOlam —  the repair of the world.

This is one of the purposes of a Jewish life. At TBT, so many people are engaged in Tikkun HaOlam every single day. I am regularly moved by the passion of our members in the helping professions and who dedicate their lives to serving others. And our volunteers are doing amazing things, too: consider that just this year, our Social Justice committee has been working hard to settle a new refugee family; collect food for those in need; and serve hot meals at the Branford Community Dining Room. The need has grown considerably this year as federal funding for the former two projects has stopped; so our support is really critical. If you might like to get involved with either of these initiatives simply reach out to Robin Baslaw. The commitment is more manageable than you might think, and we’d really love a variety of TBT folks to participate.

Another highlight of the year was our 9th grade trip to Washington, DC.  They joined with our fearless Temple Educator Ira Wise and hundreds of Jewish teens from across the country to learn about creating a better world through legislative advocacy. They wrote position papers on issues of Jewish moral concern ranging from food insecurity to reproductive rights to gun violence prevention —  and then presented their speeches to our members of congress! This impactful weekend is called “L’taken” —  a different grammatical form of that same phrase, Tikkun Olam. You may have heard a few of those terrific young people present their speeches at services earlier this Spring. And the students reported the trip was awesome —  a truly transformative learning experience. Next year’s class is already raring to go!

I’d also like to share with you about a project I am working on. Together with our local congregational justice teams of CONECT and the National Gun Safety Consortium, we are partnering with police departments throughout the state. Law enforcement and military buyers constitute the large majority of firearm purchases, so they can make a meaningful impact in the production, adoption, and availability of firearm safety equipment. The NGSC’s non-partisan project seeks to implement safer storage and access practices, with the partnership of our local police. I am proud to share that Chief Massey (Guilford PD) and Chief Drumm (Madison PD) have both eagerly signed on. If you have contacts in other area departments, I hope you will let me know. These devices will save many lives.

Finally, our Kulanu (combating antisemitism) group is planning opportunities for learning, dialogue and connection with the broader community. Just last week, they organized an important conversation with our college students about their experience on campus.  If you would like to get involved, please reach out to Irma Grebel or Louis King.

My mom and dad joined our family synagogue in the 1980s. My childhood rabbi, a wonderful man named Mark Shapiro z”l, knew that it could seem intimidating to take a first step. So he invited my mom, who didn’t really know much about Judaism, to start with something manageable.  “What about making a sandwich for someone in need?” he asked.  “The committee meets on Sunday afternoons.” That first step led to new friends, the joy of doing a mitzvah,  and a lifetime of joyful Jewish connection. And yes, that one little sandwich is a small but meaningful step in Tikkun Ha’Olam.

So, let this be my invitation for you to “make that first sandwich!” I would love to connect with you, our members, about your Jewish Journey. I would love to hear your ideas about how to make the world a better place. Please let me know when we can get together, so we can get to work, together.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss

Rabbi's Column: May 2025

Dear Friends,

You may not have heard the name Omelian Kovch. I hadn’t, either, until I learned about him in a moving tribute to Pope Francis, z”l. Father Kovch was a Greek Catholic Priest, a righteous man among the nations. When the Nazis firebombed a synagogue in 1941, Kovch immediately ran to help, ordering the police to desist. Miraculously, they obeyed him, and he began pulling victims from the flames. He was arrested in 1942, and deported to the Majdanek concentration camp, where he later died. While in Majdanek, he wrote:

“Do not be troubled, and do not lose faith on my part. Instead, rejoice with me. Pray for those who created this concentration camp and this system. They are the only ones that need prayers…May God have mercy on them.”

In honor of Father Omelian’s heroism, Pope Francis bestowed an award for courage in ecumenical understanding. After reading the moving story, I was confronted with the implicit question: if I were in Father Omelian’s place, would I have had the courage to do what he did? If I’m honest, probably not. But I hope I would have done something.

Exceptionally dark times demand exceptional acts of humanity. We all must ask ourselves: what would we be willing to do, to save the innocent?

As I write these words, the Jewish people stands on the cusp of three modern holidays: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzma’ut (Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days). These days fall within just a week of one another, making for a roller coaster of emotions — especially this year. Our hostages are not yet free; the war rages on; and the suffering of innocent people is vast. Here at home, antisemitism reached a new record high. Despite many bright spots, Jewish safety on many college campuses is still a major concern. Moreover, our very constitutional order is in question, as people are deported to foreign prisons absent the due process of law. The warning bells of Jewish History are ringing.

In the wake of the Shoah, many of us were raised with the rallying cry, “never again!” Friends, we are living through this generation’s “never again” moment. And for me, never again means many things. It means I won’t stand for attacks on Israel. I won’t stand for hateful vitriol hurled at our children. And I won’t stand for the erosion of civil liberties in the interest of security.

You may have heard that, following the first seder, a domestic terrorist firebombed the home of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro. The motive appears unambiguously antisemitic. Among the charred wreckage was a burnt and shredded haggadah page that, remarkably, contains the closing of HaTikvah, ‘our hope is not yet lost.’

The hope of over 3000 years courses within our veins. We are burnt, bruised, and bullied. We are weary and discouraged. But, as the Haggadah reminds us:

Not only one tyrant has risen up against us; rather, in every generation, a Pharaoh or a Hitler will arise. Yet, we’re still here. Let this be our anthem and our commitment in days to come. Each of us has a role to play.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss

President's Column: May 2025

As the days grow longer and we inch closer to summer, May offers us a moment to reflect on both celebration and connection within our Temple Beth Tikvah family.

This month, we join Jews around the world in marking Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. It’s a time not only to celebrate the birth of the modern State of Israel, but to reaffirm our connection to its people, its promise, and its continued vibrancy. Whether you connect through prayer, food, music, or history, Yom HaAtzmaut reminds us how deeply Israel lives in the hearts of Jews everywhere—including right here at Temple Beth Tikvah.

Just a few days later on May 16, we celebrate Lag Ba’Omer—a joyful break in the Omer period that brings with it a spirit of light and community. Traditionally marked with bonfires, music, and outdoor fun, Lag Ba’Omer is a reminder that even in the midst of reflection, there is room for joy and togetherness. I have particularly fond memories of Lag Ba’Omer from my time as a student in Jewish day school. Every year, the day was transformed into a full-blown field day filled with games, sports, and challenges. We were divided into twelve groups—each one representing one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel—and the 8th graders served as our team leaders. There was so much spirit and camaraderie, and a real sense of pride in representing your tribe. It’s a memory that has stuck with me, and one that reminds me how joyful Jewish tradition can be when we experience it in community.

May also marks a season of transitions and milestones. As our students finish their school years and our b’nai mitzvah families celebrate meaningful moments, we honor the hard work, growth, and achievements of our youth. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our teachers, clergy, staff, and volunteers who nurture Jewish learning and identity in such meaningful ways all year long.

I also want to invite you to our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00pm. This is more than just a business meeting—it’s a chance to reflect on the year behind us, look ahead with intention, and engage in the future of our congregation. Your voice and your presence are what make this community strong, and I hope to see many of you there.

Looking ahead, we’re just weeks away from our Second Annual Gala on June 7th. Last year’s inaugural event was a beautiful evening of joy, community, and support—and this year promises to be even more special. This Gala isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of who we are as a congregation: joyful, inclusive, and deeply committed to one another. I hope you’ll join us, bring friends, and take part in a night that strengthens our temple and lifts our spirits.

As we prepare for summer, I encourage you to stay connected. Whether it’s attending services, volunteering, or simply reaching out to someone in the community, your presence matters. Together, we continue to build something lasting and meaningful.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

Hebrew Matters: Temple Educator's Column

When Mishkan Tefilah – our current siddur was shared in prepublication in 2005, we were told it was going to include transliteration. That is to say that along with the English and the Hebrew, there would be Hebrew written phonetically with English letters. Apparently, a great deal of research had revealed that many adults, who had forgotten or never learned Hebrew, felt infantilized when attending services. This was meant to solve that.

I, and many of my colleagues (educators, rabbis and cantors) objected. We felt that if everyone could rely on the transliteration, no one – especially kids – would invest the effort and time in learning to actually read the Hebrew. The editorial committee of Mishkan Tefillah responded by offering an option that is NOT transliterated. That is the light blue version you see in the hands of our students.

Reform Judaism is about having personal autonomy over our Jewish practices. If, after careful study and reflection, we find that a particular practice is not meaningful, we can choose to set it aside. And if we find another practice particularly meaningful, we can embrace it. We have choices.

I believe that Hebrew is a very important part of our heritage. I remember learning with a rabbi who had been a frequent visitor to the Soviet Union in the 70s and 80s. He would smuggle in bibles and Hebrew books for Refuseniks who were trying to teach Judaism in spite of the laws against it. He was asked to travel to Siberia and check on the wellbeing of someone there. After a 21-hour train ride, he found a pay phone and called. The person on the other end did not speak English. The rabbi spoke no Russian. He tried Hebrew. The Refusenik asked in Hebrew “How did you find me?” And in Hebrew the rabbi answered, “There are people in Israel and the United States who were worried about you.”

Without Hebrew, that man might have been lost to us forever. He emigrated to Israel in 1987. Our current Hebrew language curriculum focuses on reading the prayers we regularly say or chant in Hebrew. Our kids learn a vocabulary of approximately 350 words over the course of five years. And they learn a lot about the meaning of those prayers – even if they cannot readily translate them word for word.

During the next several months, I and some of the members of the Curriculum Working Group would like to speak with you who are willing. We have some questions about what you think is important – or not important – about what Hebrew our kids will learn. Whether you have a child who is, or soon will be- in Religious School, or not, our school should reflect the values of the whole congregation. Please reach out to me at rsdirector@tbtshoreline.org or give me a call. We will have some group conversations as well as one-on-one meetings.

L’Shalom, Ira Wise, Temple Educator

Religious School Enrollment 2025-2026 Enrollment will begin May 19, 2025. If your child is currently enrolled in Religious School (and not graduating High School) , they will be automatically re-enrolled for the fall! You will be sent a link to a form that will ask about your child’s specific needs and your hopes and dreams. You will be billed for tuition through Shulcloud in the early Fall and you will be all set! If you have children who are of school age and have not yet enrolled, we will send you a form the week of the 19 th and will follow up with you then.

President's Column - April 2025

April Reflections: Passover, Chad Gadya, and the Lessons We Carry Forward

April is a time of renewal—a season of cherry blossoms, warmer weather, the return of baseball, and, of course, Passover. Growing up, my brother and I always had time off from school during Passover since we attended a Jewish day school. That meant more than just a break from classes; it meant time with family, endless matzah (which, to this day, still tastes like cardboard to me), Slivovitz (Passover Plum Brandy), and singing our favorite Seder Songs.

One song that has always stood out to me is Chad Gadya (One Little Goat). It was my favorite then, and it remains my favorite now. As kids, we took great joy in singing it faster and faster, competing to see who could keep up. It was fun, but looking back, Chad Gadya is more than just a playful tune —it carries deep meaning, open to interpretation across generations.

Some scholars see Chad Gadya as an allegory of Jewish history, where each character represents a different empire that ruled over the Land of Israel. The goat symbolizes the Jewish people, while the other figures—from the cat to the Angel of Death—are stand-ins for the various nations that rose and fell through history. The final resolution, where G-d intervenes, signifies divine justice and the Jewish people’s ultimate return to their homeland. This interpretation was first widely published in a 1731 pamphlet by Philip Nicodemus Lebrecht, and it has since been explored in many ways, with variations on which oppressor represents which force.

Others see Chad Gadya as a moral lesson. Some connect it to the story of Abraham being sentenced to death by fire, only to be saved by G-d, reinforcing the idea that divine justice surpasses even death. Contemporary scholar Lawrence Hoffman suggests that the song warns against cycles of revenge—once they begin, they are nearly impossible to stop. And according to Rav Nasan Adler (1741–1800), Chad Gadya serves as a caution against lashon hara (gossip). In one story, after overhearing people gossiping about him, he pointed out that just as the dog had no business punishing the cat, people should not interfere in matters that are not theirs to judge.

Personally, I believe Chad Gadya is as relevant today as ever. In a world filled with too much gossip, too much retaliation, and too many divisions, we must find ways to come together. It doesn’t matter where we stand on politics, government, sports—or even which Kardashian is making headlines (frankly, who cares?). What does matter is that as individuals, as a community, and as members of such a special place like TBT, we continue strengthening our bonds of Judaism, connection, and family.

So this Passover, let Chad Gadya be more than just a fun song—let it be a reminder to break cycles of conflict and seek understanding. And perhaps a little Slivovitz wouldn’t hurt either. Let us all pray for peace in Israel, in the U.S., and across the world, as well as for the safe and swift return of all remaining hostages.

From my family to yours, Chag Pesach Sameach.

B’shalom,
Josh Broder,
TBT President

Temple Educator's Column - April 2025

AHA! You Can Make Pesach Amazing!

I once published a monthly pullout section in a printed temple bulletin. It would teach the basics of a holiday, a section of the prayerbook, segment of history or lifecycle ritual. The idea was to give people – especially parents – the tools to talk confidently. (If you would like us to do something like that, please let me know!)

One feature of each issue were the At Home Activities or the AHA section. With Pesach coming in less than two weeks, here are some AHAs and one ATA (At Temple Activity) to help bring more joy to your Pesach:

• AHA: Host a Seder. It is not as difficult as it sounds. And it is ok to ask guests to share in the cooking and/or planning the Seder. Make it a team activity! There are many different Haggadot available. More than 3,000 versions exist, and you can make your own as well. Recustom.com is a great resource. Or speak to me and I can help.

• AHA: Place a piece of paper and a pencil next to each plate at your Seder. Ask each person to write down a Passover-related question. Read the questions out loud, and as a group, try to answer each. You might end up creating your own Midrash!

• AHA Do spring cleaning in your home before Pesach.

• AHA: Conduct a ritual search for Hametz. Bimbam has a short video to get you started.

• AHA: Try converting a favorite recipe for Passover (matzo pizza, matzo lasagna) OR look online for the wonderful variety of recipes available! Tori Avey, Delish, and The New York Times are just a few ideas. Of course, there is no shortage of cookbooks to be had, including in the TBT Library!

• AHA: Make a Miriam’s Cup and include it in your Seder. Miriam’s Cup is a new ritual object that is placed on the seder table beside the Cup of Elijah. Miriam’s Cup is filled with water. It serves as a symbol of Miriam’s Well, which was the source of water for the Israelites in the desert.

• AHA: Create matzo covers out of cloth napkins or handkerchiefs with fabric paint and other craft items.

• ATA: Join us at TBT for the Temple Seder on Friday, April 18 and let’s celebrate together! I invite the kids to help me lead part of the Seder – more to follow in the Religious School blast.

Do you have some of your creative ways to celebrate? Please let me know and I will share them further! Chag Sameach! Happy Pesach!

L’shalom,
Ira J. Wise, DJRE, RJE
Temple Educator